2 replies to this topic

[Abdul]

Assuming it's hard to distinguish the mated worker and ordinary worker. How do I know if it's the one? 

[Manitobant]

Most people use a microscope to examine the gemmae i think.

[Leo]

Assuming it's hard to distinguish the mated worker and ordinary worker. How do I know if it's the one? 

From my experience in catching diacamma:

• If its an underground colony, forget it, its going to be extremely difficult to ensure you catch every last worker.
• to ensure your chances, you want to capture every worker possible. Then you wait and see if the eggs laid eventually become males or workers.
• Ideally, try find a colony nesting under a stone or in a log. Carefully scout out the area to see if there is a nest under a rock/in a log before breaking it open. Once you break the log/turn the stone, the workers will scatter, and your chances of finding the gamergate drop very fast.
• Clear out the area of debris save a few leaves, so that you can catch workers attempting to leave. try net yourself as many pupae as possible, as if there is no gamergate, the new workers from the pupae will become viable candidates for the next gamergate, and you can attempt to introduce males.
• ready a container with a powder barrier, as well as surgical gloves. Flip the rock when you are ready, and throw every ant you see into the container.

 

that's about it